Vol. 373 No. 14
asked the Minister for Energy if he has satisfied himself with the results to date of trials on short rotation forestry as a primary energy source; if target yields set out in all programmes undertaken have been attained; if he considers short rotation crops will be available as an alternative fuel source for electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
63.
asked the Minister for Energy if he has satisfied himself there is adequate co-ordination of the research programmes being undertaken separately by Bord na Móna, the Forestry and Wildlife Service, An Foras Talúntais and the National Board for Science and Technology, on short rotation forestry; if the findings of such programmes are being interpreted jointly by these agencies; the future research programmes which are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The research carried out by the Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department on short rotation forestry related specifically to an investigation of the growth of conifers and broadleaf forest crops in relation to their use as a primary source of energy. This was part of an EC funded project which was co-ordinated by the National Board for Science and Technology and included separate studies by An Foras Talúntais and Bord na Móna using coppicing trees. In addition, there is a project initiated by the NBST involving two farmers in County Leitrim.
The results of these trials have been mixed. However, I understand that target yields of dry matter have been attained where the optimum combination of special soil type, plant spacing and fertilisation have been present.
The results of the project are being assessed by the EC at the moment and are due for publication in September, together with proposals for further research, if such is considered necessary. It is my intention to ensure that, in respect of any further initiatives in this area, any unnecessary fragmentation of effort on our part will be avoided and that co-ordination between the agencies involved will be maximised.
Production costs and the market price currently available for forest produce make biomass plantations an uneconomic proposition at the moment and for the foreseeable future. It is unlikely therefore that short rotation crops will be available as an alternative fuel source for electricity production.
